DRIVERS must be given specific training in how to handle alternatively-fuelled vehicles if a fleet is to get the most out of its vehicles, according to Camden Community Transport technical projects manager Karl Claydon. His organisation runs three electric minibuses and three compressed natural gas minibuses.

When the vehicles arrived in June 1996 he found there were no guidelines on how to train drivers. Claydon therefore developed an in-house training package for drivers, as well as for maintenance. 'We had to take them out and teach them about their driving skills,' he said. 'You have to relax your style and become a lot less aggressive.'

As well as training the drivers, he was also faced with the challenge of overcoming their misconceptions. 'We had to get rid of pre-conceived ideas about safety. Some drivers were, for instance, concerned about whether you could plug an electric vehicle in when it was raining,' said Claydon. 'I believe they are safer than most of our household appliances.'